Highlights: Cameroon overcomes Gambia and snatches its ticket for the eighth. Victorious after a crazy match (3-2), the Cameroonians will see the round of 16, like Senegal and Guinea, first and second in the group. Karl Toko-Ekambi, who had just harvested a very good situation, delivered his team by heading a cross from Georges-Kévi,n Nkoudou. Christopher Wooh, with his head, unleashed the Cameroonian passions (90+1°)

In great danger before the last day of the first round of the African Cup of Nations, Cameroon obtained, on Tuesday January 23 in Bouaké, the result it needed to survive in this group...

CAN 2024: Cameroon overcomes Gambia and snatches its ticket for the eighth

In great danger before the last day of the first round of the African Cup of Nations, Cameroon obtained, Tuesday January 23 in Bouaké, the result it needed to survive in this group C. Victorious after a crazy match (3-2), the Cameroonians will see the round of 16, like Senegal and Guinea, first and second in the group after the success of the Lions (2-0).

Cameroonian Karl Toko-Ekambi celebrates his goal with his teammates during the match between Gambia and Cameroon in Bouaké, January 23, 2024. © AFP / KENZO TRIBOUILLARD

By: Pierre Fesnien Follow |

Nicolas Bamba Follow

From our special correspondent at the Peace Stadium

Nicolas Bamba

This

CAN 2024

is not yet over for Cameroon.

The five-time African champions went through all the emotions in Bouaké against Gambia, during a completely crazy meeting.

And in the end, they triumphed.

The rest of the great African meeting in Ivory Coast will be written with them for at least one more round.

Up against the wall and without reprieve when it came time to challenge the Gambians, the third-placed teams in the last CAN secured the essential, not without difficulty: a victory synonymous with three points and qualification for the knockout phase.

Also read: Calendar and results of CAN 2024

Karl Toko-Ekambi had put Cameroon on the path

Without André Onana, on the bench at kick-off and replaced as in the first match by Fabrice Ondoa in the cage, the Cameroonians were faced with a simple equation: victory or elimination.

It was much the same challenge for Gambia, except that the Scorpions did not have their destiny in their hands from an accounting point of view.

In the first half, Rigobert Song's players had possession of the ball, while the Gambians obtained some dangerous but unsuccessful situations.

The goals, the emotions and the madness were for after the break.

Karl Toko-Ekambi, who had just harvested a very good situation, delivered his team by heading a cross from Georges-Kévi,n Nkoudou and finding the net (56th).

To see his celebration and the explosion of joy of the entire Cameroonian clan, this goal freed the Indomitable Lions from a weight, even if the referee, the Ethiopian Bamlak Tessema Weyesa, gave some shivers by waiting a little before to validate the opening of the score.

Crazy last 20 minutes

This opening score was only a simple prelude to an insane end to the match.

Gambia first equalized in the 72nd minute with a well-placed volley from Ablie Jallow.

The Scorpions, carried by their unleashed supporters, then took the advantage with this powerful shot from Ebrima Colley (85th).

Not enough to bury the Indomitable Lions, however: they returned to 2-2 immediately with an own goal from James Gomez, who tackled a hot ball in his cage (87th).

With each team wanting to snatch a vital victory, the final minutes proved to be hot.

Christopher Wooh, with his head, unleashed the Cameroonian passions (90+1°).

3-2, end of debates?

Not really !

Muhammed Sanneh thought he would bring Gambia to 3-3 after added time, but the video assistance saw his hand and invalidated the goal.

And this is how another crazy match ended in Bouaké with the victory of Cameroon.

Also read: Everything about the six CAN 2024 groups

Read alsoGambia-Cameroon live: relive the qualification in the 8th round of the Indomitable Lions against the Scorpions

Senegal far ahead in Group C

In a match where both teams were already assured of qualifying before kick-off, the main issue was whether Senegal or Guinea would take first place in Group C. The Senegalese then had six points and the Guineans four.

The two teams had assured that they would not do each other any favors and the physical commitment they showed from the start of the match was there to prove it.

In a tense first period marred by numerous mistakes, the Senegalese were able to impose a slight domination on the Guineans in a tight match where clear chances were rare.

Lacking inspiration, the Lions of Teranga were however unable to make the break before half-time when at the same time, Guinea remained dangerous on the counter, notably through the incursions of Aguibou Camara on the right side.

Seck delivers the Lions

Returning from the locker room, while the match started at a pace significantly similar to that of the first period, it was ultimately Abdoulaye Seck who delivered Senegal.

The central defender headed an eccentric free kick from Krepin Diatta with a furious header without giving Guinean goalkeeper Ibrahim Koné any chance.

Solid defensively and well organized tactically, the Lions of Teranga subsequently never really worried by the national Sily before increasing the score by Ilman Ndiaye in the 91st minute of play. With nine points in three matches, Senegal is the first team in this CAN 2024 to achieve a flawless performance, which now officially makes the reigning African Champion a very serious candidate for his own succession.

CAN 2024: Cameroon overcomes Gambia and snatches its ticket for the eighth

CAN 2024: Cameroon overcomes Gambia and snatches its ticket for the eighth

Senegal far ahead in Group C

Seck delivers the Lions

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